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Redskins close regular season on high note, beating Cowboys, 34-23, to finish 9-7 Redskins close regular season on high note, beating Cowboys, 34-23, to finish 9-7
(35 minutes later)
ARLINGTON, Texas — It was a day for celebrating Washington Redskins records, giving key veterans some well-earned rest and later — only after securing a fourth consecutive victory that averted a season’s sweep by their most reviled foe — looking ahead to the NFL playoff appearance no one saw coming.ARLINGTON, Texas — It was a day for celebrating Washington Redskins records, giving key veterans some well-earned rest and later — only after securing a fourth consecutive victory that averted a season’s sweep by their most reviled foe — looking ahead to the NFL playoff appearance no one saw coming.
The Redskins turned the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium into their own playground Sunday, bolting to a three-touchdown lead before turning to backups to close out the regular season with a 34-23 victory.The Redskins turned the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium into their own playground Sunday, bolting to a three-touchdown lead before turning to backups to close out the regular season with a 34-23 victory.
In the view of many, Sunday’s game was a meaningless formality, with little at stake for either team. The Redskins had already clinched the NFC East title and locked up home field for their first-round playoff game next weekend. NFL officials will announce Sunday night the opponent, date and kickoff time at FedEx Field.In the view of many, Sunday’s game was a meaningless formality, with little at stake for either team. The Redskins had already clinched the NFC East title and locked up home field for their first-round playoff game next weekend. NFL officials will announce Sunday night the opponent, date and kickoff time at FedEx Field.
And injury-plagued Dallas, long eliminated from the postseason, could only hurt its draft-day selection spot with a victory.And injury-plagued Dallas, long eliminated from the postseason, could only hurt its draft-day selection spot with a victory.
But with Coach Jay Gruden fielding all but three of his starters — left tackle Trent Williams, defensive end Jason Hatcher and wide receiver DeSean Jackson, all of whom welcomed the chance to recuperate before the postseason push — the Redskins issued a strong statement at the outset. Having finally rounded into winning form after a 2-4 start to the season, Washington had no intention of taking the afternoon off.But with Coach Jay Gruden fielding all but three of his starters — left tackle Trent Williams, defensive end Jason Hatcher and wide receiver DeSean Jackson, all of whom welcomed the chance to recuperate before the postseason push — the Redskins issued a strong statement at the outset. Having finally rounded into winning form after a 2-4 start to the season, Washington had no intention of taking the afternoon off.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins led three consecutive touchdown drives in the first quarter to stake the Redskins to a 21-0 lead. With his 12th completion, Cousins set a single-season record for passing yards by a Redskins quarterback (4,166 yards). His reward for a close-to-impeccable outing — 12 of 15 for 176 yards and three touchdowns — was being met by a flurry of handshakes and backslaps on the sideline, where he traded in his helmet for a burgundy cap early in the second quarter and handed the reins of the offense to backup Colt McCoy.Quarterback Kirk Cousins led three consecutive touchdown drives in the first quarter to stake the Redskins to a 21-0 lead. With his 12th completion, Cousins set a single-season record for passing yards by a Redskins quarterback (4,166 yards). His reward for a close-to-impeccable outing — 12 of 15 for 176 yards and three touchdowns — was being met by a flurry of handshakes and backslaps on the sideline, where he traded in his helmet for a burgundy cap early in the second quarter and handed the reins of the offense to backup Colt McCoy.
Joining Cousins in the Redskins record book was Jordan Reed, who moved into sole possession of the single-season record for receptions by a Redskins tight end with 87.Joining Cousins in the Redskins record book was Jordan Reed, who moved into sole possession of the single-season record for receptions by a Redskins tight end with 87.
And nose tackle Chris Baker had his own reason to break out a celebratory gyration after recording his sixth sack of the season. In doing so, he triggered a contract bonus believed to be worth $250,000 — to be earmarked for his infant daughter’s college fund, he’d vowed earlier in the week.And nose tackle Chris Baker had his own reason to break out a celebratory gyration after recording his sixth sack of the season. In doing so, he triggered a contract bonus believed to be worth $250,000 — to be earmarked for his infant daughter’s college fund, he’d vowed earlier in the week.
But it was a team victory all around — one that amounted to a cherry on top of season that had already far exceeded expectations.But it was a team victory all around — one that amounted to a cherry on top of season that had already far exceeded expectations.
With it, the Redskins finished the season 9-7, more than doubling their win total from last season. And they head into their first playoff appearance since 2012 — and only their second in the past 16 years — on a four-game winning streak.With it, the Redskins finished the season 9-7, more than doubling their win total from last season. And they head into their first playoff appearance since 2012 — and only their second in the past 16 years — on a four-game winning streak.
It may not convince skeptics that Washington is anything more than the beneficiary of the NFL’s weakest division. It can’t be denied that the Redskins earned their playoff spot without beating a team that currently has a winning record. But their winning streak has convinced an already unified locker room that it has the tools it needs to make a statement in the postseason.
Dallas, meantime, limped to a 4-12 finish — tumbling from 12-4 NFC East champions to dead-last finisher in one year’s time — and faces questions about its roster in the offseason.
Kellen Moore, the fourth quarterback to suit up for Dallas this season, attemptedto prove that he’s a viable backup going forward should Tony Romo, at 36, not be tip-top after twice breaking his collarbone this season. On Sunday, Moore was 33 of 48 for 435 yards, three touchdowns and two interception.
After both teams traded punts on their opening series, Cousins got the Redskins’ offense going with a screen pass that rookie wide receiver Jamison Crowder stretched into a 44-yard gain, helped by a terrific downfield block by rookie right guard Brandon Scherff. Cousins then hit Ryan Grant for a 5-yard touchdown throw that put the Redskins on the board.
Linebacker Will Compton, among the backups who have more than proved their value given a chance in the season’s second half, came up with an interception of a high throw by Moore.
This time, Cousins needed just three plays to turn it into a touchdown, sidestepping a would-be sack to heave a high, arcing ball to wide receiver Pierre Garcon, who made the terrific leaping catch for the second touchdown of the day, making it 14-0.
Baker recovered a fumble on the Cowboys’ next series, and Cousins hit Crowder for a 3-yard touchdown in the end zone.
With a 28-yard completion to Crowder, Cousins set the team’s single-season passing mark and exited the game once the series ended on a 27-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins.
As McCoy loosened his throwing arm on the sideline, the Cowboys extended yet another foundering drive with a successful fake punt. On the series, the Redskins backup cornerback Dashaun Phillips suffered a frightening neck injury on a hard hit in the red zone. His Redskins teammates gathered around as medics tended to him. The cart was summoned. And as he was strapped onto a gurney and immobilized, a section of Cowboys fans erupted in the wave.
Phillips was then transported to a local hospital, and team officials announced that he had movement in his extremities.
Once play resumed, Moore found tight end Jason Witten for a four-yard touchdown to avert the shutout.
McCoy’s first drive ended in a punt, and Dallas scored again, with Moore hitting wide receiver Cole Beasley for a 5-yard strike shortly before the half expired, and the Redskins took a 24-14 lead into the break.
Hopkins went on to add another field goal, from 33 yards, in the third quarter.
And McCoy found wide receiver Rashad Ross for a 71-yard catch and run — the longest touchdown throw of his career — on the first play of the fourth quarter.